Shane Vanderwall: The Street Musician Who Became a Viral Hit!

From Sri Lanka to Germany and and desire to pursue his craft.

Shane Vanderwall

Few musicians in any style or idiom have a more intriguing background than Shane Vanderwall. He’s overcome hardships and persevered in situations that might have convinced someone less confident in their ability to choose another path. But Vanderwall, who has been singing since childhood and playing since he was a teen, has had a most intriguing journey from Sri Lanka to his current residence, Germany.

Sometimes the term “street musician” is used loosely to describe anyone who opts to sing or play in any outdoor environment for money. But Vanderwall both worked and lived for a time in a train station, dependent on the good will of those who heard him for survival. His love of music and desire to pursue his craft and make a difference kept him going through hard times, as he continued honing his skills and developing a distinctive sound. Then he subsequently discovered another outlet, one not dependent on big money or some nameless recording executive’s whims: YouTube.

Through the online world, Vanderwall became a viral hit. That push, coupled with the fact that street musicians enjoy a level of popularity in Europe far greater than that in America, eventually culminated in a project that’s reached thousands of eager and receptive listeners without any extensive marketing campaign or high level media push.

While Marley is his reference point and reggae a first love, Shane Vanderwall brings his own flavor, edge and sensibility to everything he performs. He’s definitely someone to watch in terms of forthcoming stars, and his music will prove just as amazing, versatile and unpredictable as his life story and history have proven.